Actor Choi Soo-jong expressed his struggles with a demanding schedule.

On the 10th, a press conference was held in the international conference room at the KBS new building in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, for the 700th episode of KBS1's 'The Table of Korean People' and the new presenter.

'The Table of Korean People' has transcended a simple food program, recording the culture and history encapsulated in a meal, as well as the stories of local communities, serving as a 'repository of flavor memories' that captures nostalgia. Every season and region, it finds various foods and conveys the wisdom of life and the warmth of family and neighbors.

The new guide for 'The Table of Korean People,' Choi Soo-jong, is expected to position himself as a friendly neighbor and companion for viewers with his relatable image as a national husband, son, brother, and older brother.

Choi Soo-jong said, "I couldn't easily accept the offer when it came. 'The Table of Korean People' belongs to teacher Choi Bool-am, and every little detail, from his gaze to his gestures, left a deep impression on me, making me wonder what kind of expression I could convey. In the process of contemplating whether to take it on, I talked with my wife, Ha Hee-ra, and also had over an hour of conversation with teacher Choi Bool-am. I also received a call from teacher Go Doo-shim. Teacher Choi Bool-am spoke about a sense of mission and responsibility and shared insights about the personalities of each member of the production team, so I approached the filming with that understanding. And I was encouraged by teacher Go Doo-shim’s words, 'If you empathize and feel as you live your life, that is the best way to express it.'"

Choi Soo-jong continued, "I can't change everything perfectly from the beginning, but I’m approaching filming little by little in a way that reflects Choi Soo-jong. We've filmed four times, and I deeply respect teacher Choi Bool-am. It’s not easy to do this. The average distance I travel in a day exceeds 900 kilometers, and they have me working more since I’m a bit more active," he said, adding, "It's so touching that the people I meet say they are so happy to see me. It was so moving to be welcomed by everyone from the elderly to children. If teacher Choi Bool-am viewed it calmly from the perspective of the elderly, I want to meet the audience in the roles of a father, son, uncle, brother, and older brother."

The 700th episode of KBS1's 'The Table of Korean People' with new presenter Choi Soo-jong will air on the 10th at 7:40 p.m.

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